Pam wrote:
Jean, the inclination is for most folks to combine roses with
lavenders - they seem to be a natural combination. However, the
cultural conditions that roses like (ample water, fertile soil and
regular fertilization) are exactly what lavender doesn't want. My
roses are mixed in with scores of other plants, but if I were to
single them out, I'd underplant with hardy geraniums. They will love
the same conditions, are exceedingly easy to grow and flower in
complimentary colors and over an extended season. There are dozens of
varieties. Check out the "full sun groundcover" thread from Monday -
I listed a bunch that will work great and keep to a manageable height
to show off the roses.


So far I have added Campanulas, moss phloxes, and rock soapwort in my large
rose bed. I still have lots of space to cover and was considering the
lavender, and Russian sage. For taller companions I have started adding
delphiniums and will likely add tall phloxes, and cosmos.

Underlying everything I have a large collection of species and hybrid
tulips, narcissus, hyacinths, grape hyacinth and crocuses. They are all
done blooming before the roses leaf out.

How tall do these geraniums get, and what is the zone range?